Lifelong learning is essential for success

As the world moves on, it is likely that re-learning your own job will become perhaps the only constant

always moving forward in exciting and innovative new ways.

It is therefore essential that not only individuals, but entire organisations begin to engage in lifelong learning and maximise their ability to learn, since learning has become the foundation for continuous improvement, operational excellence and innovation. The work experience will no longer be a simple completion of tasks — it will instead become an ongoing process of growth.

While formal education remains an important ingredient for future career success, the knowledge-economy urges us to think beyond these outcomes. A good education is not simply about getting a job or being in a position to be paid more. To be truly educated means to have an overriding interest in using your ability, potential and aptitude to make a meaningful contribution to society. Formal education is most valuable when it teaches you how to learn and how to use the knowledge you have gathered to become an adaptable, dynamic individual.

Given the disruptive and rapidly evolving nature of the current job market, how does one not only survive but succeed, using lifelong learning? There are various opportunities to capitalise on as a result of this revolution. Education in the forms of degrees, diplomas, short learning programmes and online studies must begin to reflect the real-world needs of the students and job market of the future.

At Monash South Africa (MSA) our programmes remain flexible, innovative and adaptable to ensure that students are career ready and able to bring about real impact upon graduating. An example of this is our MSA executive range for working professionals, which has been designed to be flexible and convenient so that students can maintain a work-life balance. Classes for popular programmes such as the MBA degree are offered every second Saturday; students can enrol at any point in the year; and the degree can be completed in 18, 24 or 36 months. This flexible, personalised learning style ensures that students can effectively incorporate learning into their busy lifestyles on their own terms, allowing for studies to be pursued at every stage of their careers.